Short or long, beautiful hair is what we all would like to have. Some, blessed by the gene lottery, can grow luscious hair by seemingly doing nothing whatsoever, but to us, regular folk, luscious locks require a bit of work. And, most often, the biggest hurdle to overcome in growing your tresses is frizzy and damaged ends.
That said, achieving healthy and beautiful hair free from split ends is absolutely possible with the right hair care products, diet, and maintenance. Here, we will explore the top 11 oils and hair care products that are well-known for their ability to prevent split ends and promote overall hair growth and health. So, ready to take a look at our top choices?
Why do split ends happen?
Before we dig deeper into oils for split ends, let’s figure out why and how they happen in the first place.
To put it simply, frizzy ends are the outcome of the worn-out outer layer of your hair (called cuticle), which exposes the inner layers of the hair. The inner shaft of your hair is not as resistant to various stressors, and thus – split ends happen. There are several reasons why this damage can occur:
Mechanical damage. This is the most common cause of split ends, and it can happen by frequently brushing, combing, heat styling (like straightening or blow drying), or treating your hair with harsh chemicals (like bleaching). Over time, such practices can wear away the hair’s cuticle, leading to split ends.
Chemical damage is another common culprit for frayed ends. Chemical treatments like bleaching, perming, relaxing, or coloring can weaken the hair structure by stripping away the natural oils. If done incorrectly, chemical treatments might even lead to hair loss.
Environmental factors, such as sun, wind, pollution, and even low temperatures, can also weaken hair and break down its proteins.
Poor hair care practices. Harsh products, frequent washing, and drying out wet hair with rough towels can all lead to damaged ends.
Nutritional deficiencies. Lastly, healthy hair is created from within, so if you find yourself unable to improve your hair quality with hair care products, it might be time for some bloodwork. A lack of vitamins, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, and biotin, can weaken the hair significantly; however, these deficiencies can be easily fixed by taking good-quality supplements.
These factors not only contribute to split ends but can also lead to hair breakage, further emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues to maintain healthy hair. So, these are the common causes of split ends and dull-looking hair. Of course, as with anything, you can take preventive actions to keep your hair soft and silky and the ends intact. Read our tips below.
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How to prevent split ends?
To damage your hair is always much easier than to prevent split ends and to have a head of luscious locks actually requires a multi-pronged approach of healthy hair care routine and lifestyle habits. Here’s what you can do to restore (or keep) your hair’s beauty:
Trim it regularly. Yes, we understand; if your hair is slow to grow, you might be tempted to skip trimming the ends entirely. However, a trim every 6-8 weeks removes the split ends and prevents them from traveling further up the hair. A timely trim is the best you can do for your hair!
Handle it gently. Use gentle brushes or wide-toothed combs so as not to break your hair. Be especially careful when brushing wet hair, as wet hair is much more prone to breaking.
Minimize heat styling. Hot tools, especially ones of poor quality, can seriously damage your hair. However, if you do wish to continue heat styling your hair, it is wise to invest in something of better quality.
Consider purchasing a silk pillowcase. A silk pillowcase reduces friction and lessens the risk of damage to your hair. Silk is also known to be beneficial to the skin, so what’s there to lose?
Don’t forget your conditioner. It has been proven time and again that conditioners are essential in keeping your hair nourished and moisturized. So, if you hope for luscious strands, go pick that bottle right now.
Limit chemical treatments. And if you can’t, look for a professional who knows their way around bleaching, coloring, perming, and relaxing!
Eat a balanced diet. As we’ve mentioned above, a balanced diet is the key to beautiful hair. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and biotin can promote healthy hair growth and reduce breakage.
Now that we know all the possible causes and prevention tactics for split ends, it’s time to fix the problem before it takes root (pardon the pun). Below, you’ll find a list of our all-time favorite hair oils that are truly capable of tackling frayed ends.
Best Overall: Kérastase Nutritive Split Ends Serum
Kérastase Nutritive Split Ends Serum
Price: 42.30 GBP
Kérastase's Nutri-Supplement Split Ends Serum is designed for dry hair with split ends. It works by sealing the ends to prevent splits, thanks to special polymers. Plus, it gives your hair a boost of essential nutrients, making it stronger and healthier. This serum has a rich, oily texture that fights dryness without weighing down your hair. Apply five drops on wet ends after washing as a leave-in treatment and style as you like.
Honestly, although this product is a bit on the pricier side, it truly does wonders in keeping your hair healthy and your ends intact.
Expert’s Pick: K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil
K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil 30ml
Price: 52.00 GBP
You've probably heard about the K18 Molecular Repair Hair Mask and the wonder it does in restoring the broken bonds in your hair, but you might've missed the fact that K18 also has a hair oil that tackles frizzy ends. Formulated with patented K18 peptide, this absolutely weightless oil strengthens, reduces damage, and repairs your hair from within one strand at a time.
Better still, you don't have to use the whole K18 hair care routine actually to see the positive change in your hair, but you do need a bit of patience as the best results might not be visible after just one use.
Best Leave-In Treatment: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Lightweight Liquid Conditioner for Fine Hair
Price: 35.50 USD
Redken's Acidic Perfecting Concentrate Leave-in Treatment is a multi-tasking solution for your hair care needs. It offers heat protection up to 230 degrees while smoothing out frizz, adding shine, and deep conditioning to prevent breakage. Specifically formulated with an acidic pH, it helps defend against the potential damage caused by hair coloring, lightening, and heat styling. With regular use, you'll notice your hair looking and feeling healthier overall.
P.S.: Users say that Redken's Acidic Bonding series is basically a dupe to some of the more expensive treatments and works just as well as Olaplex or K18 products.
Silicone-Free Formula: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil 20ml
Price: 19.00 GBP
Honey has long been known for its medicinal and cosmetic uses, and now, we finally have a hair oil infused with it. The honey in this hair oil by Gisou acts as a moisture-binding and nourishing agent that instantly boosts shine, reduces frizz, and hydrates your locks.
By the way, did you know that all the honey used for Gisou products is sourced from the Mirsalehi Bee Garden? Besides honey, the formula is also enriched with sweet almond oil and coconut oil, which are known for their stellar benefits in keeping your hair beautifully healthy.
We should note that the producer advises using a few drops of this oil on dry hair, combing it in with your palms and fingers from mid-length to the ends.
Moroccanoil Mending Infusion Hair Serum
Moroccanoil Mending Infusion Hair Serum
Price: 28.14 GBP
Moroccanoil® Mending Infusion is a bit more than just a solution for dull-looking hair. Packed with vitamins and protein from quinoa, it works to strengthen and nourish your hair, leaving it looking fresh and vibrant. Its lightweight formula, enriched with argan oil, goes beyond superficial fixes—it actively repairs damaged hair by addressing issues like dryness, split ends, and damage from coloring.
Additionally, it fights frizz and shields your hair from further harm. The blend of argan oil and baobab extracts is particularly beneficial, as argan oil is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, which help moisturize and strengthen hair, while baobab extracts provide additional nourishment and protection. As a result, your hair ends transform from dry and brittle to soft and manageable, all while enjoying the long-term benefits of argan oil's natural goodness.
So, in fact, this isn't just a topical treatment; it's a product that gives you the best results the longer you use it!
Natural oils for frizzy ends – which ones to choose for the best effect
Natural oils have been used for cosmetic purposes for a long time. They range from olive oil to tea tree oil and everything in between. These oils are beneficial for both hair and skin. However, with so many options available, it can be tough to know which oils are best suited for you.
Below, we have listed three of the most commonly used oils for brittle hair. We have also included their benefits and distinctive properties to help you decide which one is right for you.
Some oils, specifically rosemary oil, have been studied for their effects on hair follicles and their ability to promote hair growth. Research involving 100 adults with androgenic alopecia showed that participants using rosemary oil experienced an increase in new hair follicles, comparable to those using Rogaine, after three and six months. This makes rosemary oil an excellent choice for addressing split ends and improving overall hair health, as it helps in promoting growth without causing the dryness and itching often associated with hair growth products.
Avocado Oil: Best for Smoother, Shinier Hair
Avocado oil is a great option for hair care as it has numerous benefits. It deeply moisturizes the hair due to its high content of oleic acid and monounsaturated fats, which makes the hair softer and more manageable. It also strengthens the hair, prevents breakage, and promotes healthy hair growth. This is because it contains vitamins A, D, and E, along with antioxidants and biotin.
Additionally, avocado oil helps in improving scalp health by soothing irritation and balancing oil production, which reduces dandruff. Thanks to its lightweight texture, it adds shine and silkiness to the hair without weighing it down. In summary, avocado oil is a versatile ingredient that is suitable for all hair types, providing moisture and strength and promoting healthy hair growth and scalp health.
CANTU Protective Styles Daily Oil Drops with Tea Tree Oil
Sweet Almond Oil: Best for UV Protection
Sweet almond oil has numerous advantages for hair, one of which is UV protection. It is a rich source of vitamins E, A, and D, and omega-9 fatty acids. It deeply moisturizes the hair, making it softer and more manageable. Strengthening the hair shaft also prevents breakage and promotes healthier and more resilient hair. Additionally, sweet almond oil nourishes the scalp, reducing irritation and flakiness and promoting overall scalp health.
Moreover, sweet almond oil has natural UV protection properties that help shield the hair from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Although it cannot replace sunscreen, using sweet almond oil in hair care products or as a pre-sun treatment can provide an extra layer of defense against UV damage. Its lightweight texture makes it easy to absorb into the shaft, leaving no greasy residue while adding shine and silkiness. Regular use of sweet almond oil can contribute to healthier, shinier hair and a more balanced scalp while also offering some protection against UV radiation.
Fushi organic Sweet Almond Oil
Grapeseed Oil: Best for Frizz and Split Ends
Grapeseed oil has numerous benefits for hair, such as its effectiveness in fighting frizz and split ends. It is rich in linoleic acid, vitamin E, and antioxidants, which helps to deeply moisturize the hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and more manageable. Its lightweight texture allows it to easily penetrate the hair shaft without making it heavy, making it an excellent choice for all hair types, including fine or oily hair. Grapeseed oil helps to strengthen the shaft and prevent breakage, promoting healthier, stronger hair.
It also contains natural emollients that smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and flyaways and leaving hair looking sleek and polished. Additionally, grapeseed oil is known for its ability to seal moisture into the hair, helping to prevent dryness, hair breakage, and split ends.
Pump Miracle Curl Oil
However, if you’d rather stick to ready-made products that are not as heavy as oils, we still have a few of our favorites left on this list.
Best for Color-Treated Hair: Oribe Split End Seal
Oribe Beautiful Color Split End Seal 50ml
Price: 42.61 GBP
Oribe's Split End Sealing Serum is a handy solution for those pesky split ends. Whether you're dealing with dry or damaged hair, this serum works wonders. With just one use, it repairs up to 94% of split ends and reduces breakage by 65%. Plus, it helps protect your hair color from fading with its UV protectants.
Besides all these perks, it is also easy to apply – just spread it evenly through damp hair, then style it as usual. Of course, as with any of Oribe's products, this split end seal is enriched with the signature complex of watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extract, along with nourishing essential oils and a polymer complex.
Best for Curly Hair: COLOR WOW Flo-Etry Vital Natural Supplement
COLOR WOW Flo-Etry Vital Natural Supplement 295ml
Price: 27.00 GBP
This serum is slightly heavier than other options, but it's highly effective in moisturizing and reshaping curls. It uses an innovative "Naked Technology" that mimics the hair's natural moisture.
The COLOR WOW Profaxil-18™ complex in the serum breaks down large particles of jojoba, pequi, and coconut oils and distributes them evenly into hair strands from roots to ends. This results in beautifully moisturized and frizz-free curls with a shiny, non-greasy finish. To apply, simply work the serum into wet hair, making sure to distribute it evenly from roots to tips using your fingers or a comb.
Frizz Minimizer: Coco & Eve Like A Virgi Miracle Hair Elixir
Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Miracle Hair Elixir 100ml
Price: 29.00 GBP
Coco & Eve has created an innovative product that provides instant shine and silkiness and eliminates frizz. It's lightweight and doesn't feel heavy on hair but provides rain-resistant softness and shine. Additionally, it repairs damaged hair fibers and offers protection up to 220°C. This product is perfect for controlling volume and frizz, taming unruly locks, and providing a visibly healthier look. It's made with a blend of coconut, papaya, mangosteen, and prickly pear, and it's infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid to moisturize, soften, and strengthen hair.
The formula is designed to add shine, silkiness, and softness to hair while also controlling unruly locks for sleekness every day. It reduces excess volume and provides thermal protection for styling tools up to 220°C while also protecting against humidity for long-lasting control. To use the product, simply apply it to wet or dry hair, rubbing a few drops in your hands and applying through the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.
Best for Split End Prevention: Living Proof Triple Bond Complex
Living Proof Triple Bond Complex 45ml
Price: 28.28 GBP
Trust us, this is the future of hair repair. Our Triple Bond Complex is a potent strengthening treatment that builds a robust 3D network within your strands. This treatment not only strengthens your hair but also leaves it smoother and shinier than ever before. Additionally, it's great for preventing split ends and keeping your hair looking healthy, vibrant, and resistant to damage. To use, simply start with 2 pumps, apply it to clean damp hair, and comb through.
For optimal results, wait 10 minutes before blow-drying. Incorporate it into your routine weekly for strong, gorgeous hair that you'll love.
The Multitasker: Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator Multi-Benefit Treatment Spray
Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator 20 Leave In Spray 190ml
Price: 15.23 GBP
Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator 20 Hair Styling Primer is a versatile conditioning spray that offers 20 benefits for all hair types. Its lightweight formula deeply nourishes, repairs, and protects your locks in just 60 seconds.
It helps prevent breakage and split ends and controls frizz while also shielding hair from heat damage, resulting in healthy-looking hair from root to tip. This treatment spray replenishes moisture, smooths strands, and primes hair for styling, making it easier to detangle and manage. You'll get soft, sleek, and conditioned hair without any greasy residue.
To use, simply spray the product on towel-dried hair, comb through, and style as usual. Achieve salon-worthy results effortlessly.
Allure Best of Beauty Winner: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Oil
Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair!™ Strenghtening Treatment Oil 30ml
Price: 28.00 GBP
This is a popular hair oil that strengthens hair and doesn't contain silicones (we all know that some silicones lead to even more damage, right?). It has ceramides that help repair and enhance the shine of your hair. This oil is effective in repairing hair cuticles and sealing split ends caused by physical or chemical damage.
It contains ceramides and essential fatty acids, which replenish the natural lipids in your hair, resulting in healthier, softer, and shinier hair. The formula is made up of 97% naturally derived ingredients. To use, apply a few drops to dry or damp hair, focusing on the ends and any other damaged areas.
How can I make my split ends look better?
Basically, the same rules apply to making your split ends appear better than those for preventing it from happening in the first place. In a nutshell, you should stick to regular trims and use a moisturizing conditioner to hydrate your hair and temporarily smooth split ends. For the best results, think about minimizing heat styling or at least applying a heat protectant spray when you do. Be gentle with your hair, avoiding harsh brushing and towel-drying. Limit chemical treatments like bleaching and coloring, as they can weaken the hair. Use a hair serum, oil, or leave in conditioners,containing ingredients like argan oil to add shine and temporarily smooth split ends. Consider wearing protective hairstyles to minimize friction and reduce further damage.
While these tips can help, remember that trimming is the only permanent solution for split ends. If you continue to struggle with split ends, it may be time for a haircut to remove them and maintain healthy hair. After all, it will definitely grow out!
It’s real when you’re with Monetha. 😉 We find the best deals for the nicest products + give you cashback when you buy through Monetha.
